Ohio University Southern’s Gallery and Spriggs Auditorium were filled with artists and writers in celebration of 10th Annual Women of Appalachia Project (WOAP). The event featured female artists living in or with strong ties to Appalachia from throughout WV, OH, KY and PA on Thursday, November 15.

Kari Gunter-Seymour, WOAP founder, said the mission of Women of Appalachia is to address discrimination of Appalachians, particularly women, by showcasing the way the region of Appalachia influences the art, poetry, stories and songs of women. The campus Art Gallery and adjoining space in the Dingus Technology Center provided a backdrop for mixed media, paintings, collage, sculpture, bead work and glass created by thirty-four artists from across the region.

The Women Speak portion of the celebration featured eleven writers who shared their poetry, stories, essays and songs. In all, thirty-two women writers were selected for this year’s project. Gunter-Seymour said the project brings together women from diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences to embrace the stereotype and show the whole woman; beyond the superficial factors that people use to judge her.

Gallery Coordinator Victoria Knipp and Dean Nicole Pennington

“Ohio Southern supports our region’s art,” said Nicole Pennington, Dean. “I am thrilled we are able to bring this high caliber of juried art and writing from some of Appalachia’s best women artists to our campus for our students and the community,” Pennington said.

The Women of Appalachia Project art exhibit will be on display in the Ohio University Southern Gallery through December 15, 2018. The Gallery is located in the Dingus Technology Center at 1804 Liberty Avenue, Ironton, Ohio.